Cheryl Parsons, Artist

My artistic journey started at age 8 with the influence of a private art teacher, Edith Carter. She introduced me to using all mediums and to explore.  She taught me to "see" and connect with what I was drawing or painting. Not understandable to an eight year old, but the training stayed with me. Also,

I explored all types of mediums from pastels to oil paints.  All my training at that time was in realism.

 

Then I entered college during the time of abstract expressionism (the "ism" of the time).  However, while studying many historical periods, my interest of painting representational still life prevailed - especially the styles of the Dutch Golden Era Masters.  After college full time painting was put on hold for a career in advertising/marketing that advanced to the opening of my own company.

 

With this strong background in marketing, I used my artistic abilities to open a decorative arts company. Over a thirteen year period, I painted trompe l'oeil, large scale wall and ceiling murals in homes and businesses throughout South Florida - including Burger King International Headquarters, Spece Music Stores and Sunglass Huts Headquartees to mention a few.

 

Moving to the Metropolitan Washington, DC area offered wonderful opportunities to associate with many fine arts organizations, galleries, studios and world class museums.  With a lifetime of exploration in painting, I found new opportunities to devrelop my style including painting objects that provoked fond memories such as toys, marbles, crayons and candy.

 

                                                              "The Brighter Side of Life."

 

At some point I decided to create colorful paintings that made me happy - and, in turn may be meaningful to ther viewer. My paintings incorporate the Dutch masters' techniques of dark backgrounds with a directed light source to enhance the brilliance of the colors.  After visiting the museums in Amsterdam; I developed a relationship with Dutch still life objects - fruits, vegetables, luscious dark cherries, fabulous apples, grapes, beets - the colors of nature are alwayd challenging.

 

In 2010, I was honored with a grant to live and paint for a month in Dinan, a town locate in the Brittany area o France; and one of my paintings was chosen and added to the collection of "La Grande Vigne" in Dinan.

 

My paintings have been exhibited throughout the Metro DC area with awards including "Best of Show" several times. I am pleased to be juried into fine art festivals and galleries  - including Miami, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, Melbourne, Sarasota, Florida; Richmond, Reston and Leesburg, Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland and other locations around Metro Washington, DC.

 

Please consult my calendar below for upcoming exhibits.  

 

PS:  Working on my new "Store".  Still adding products, but if you see paintings you are interested in on this site; just call or email me and we can discuss availability and prices.